Saturday, January 3, 2015 6:40am ET by  
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Madonna apologises for controversial 'Rebel Heart' images: "I'm sorry... I'm not comparing myself to anyone"

Madonna has issued an explanation and apology following backlash against images she posted online as promotional material for her forthcoming album ‘Rebel Heart’.

The 56-year-old’s latest album cover shows her face tied up with black wire (see image left).

However, the ‘Living For Love’ star caused outrage via her social media outlets earlier today (January 3) when she posted images of iconic figures mocked up to resemble her new LP artwork.

Madonna shared pictures of Bob Marley, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and John Lennon with black wire superimposed onto their faces (see images below). Numerous commenters called the images disrespectful and said that Madonna is trivialising icons of peace in the name of promoting pop music.

Criticism of Madonna’s edited images have lead the pop star to explain her actions via Facebook saying:

“I would like to thank all my fans for recreating my album cover with the Rebel Heart ribbon on the faces of so many Great Hero's. It shows that you are also celebrating and in admiration of these great freedom fighters! When I repost these images i am saying YES! These people are all Rebel Hearts in one way or another from Martin Luther King to Jesus to Nelson Mandela to John Lennon. YES! Lets celebrate them! The world needs more people like them.”

She quickly added:

“I'm sorry
I'm not comparing my self to anyone
I'm admiring and acknowledging there Rebel Hearts
This is niether a crime or an insult or racist!
I also did it with Michael jaclson and frida khalo and marilyn monroe
Am I saying I am them
NO
I'm saying they are Rebel Hearts too.
And
I didn't do it
My fans did
And I just re posted those photos
My fans aren't racist either
If they put me in the same category as these other people
Thank you. I'm very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1 100th of what those people accomplished”.

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Listen to Madonna’s latest song ‘Living For Love’ below: